Stretchable Electromagnetic Interference Shielding Textile Using Conductive Polymers and Metal Nanoparticles

In this research, multifunctional properties of cotton/lycra textiles coated with ternary composites of polypyrrole (PPy), silver nanoparticles (SNPs), and poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene) poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) (P−S−P composites) is reported. FTIR spectroscopy, XRD and XPS surface analysis proved successful in situ polymerization of the P-S and also attaching the PEDOT:PSS onto the cotton/lycra surface. Morphological observations showed that coating the cotton/lycra textile with the P−S−P composites made a more compact layer on the surface. Surface topology showed that the PEDOT:PSS was able to fill the gaps between the P-S composites, thus making the surface smoother. Wettability investigations showed that considering the Wenzel theory, by increasing the density of the P-S coating, the hydrophobicity of the fabric increased but according to the smoother surface of the fibers after coating with PEDOT:PSS, the hydrophobicity was slightly reduced. Due to filling the gaps on the surface and more compact layer, the P−S−P coated textile acted as an excellent electromagnetic interference shield (SE=40 dB) showed better electromagnetic absorption, reflection, and shielding effectiveness (SE) of about 40 %, 103 %, 115 % respectively than the P−S coated textile while the transmission decreased to 35 %. Moreover, the treated textile had wonderful antimicrobial activity against both Gram-positive and negative bacteria and also fungi. According to flexibility, high conductivity, and multifunctional property, the cotton/lycra knitted textiles coated with P−S−P could be very reliable to be used for developing smart textiles which are desirable for protective and medical applications.